An International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICONN 2013) commenced at the SRM University, Kattankulathur on Monday.
The Department of Physics and Nanotechnology, SRM University, joined hands with the Research Institute of Electronics, Shizuoka University, Japan, Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, New Zealand and Asian Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Association, Japan to host the three-day conference.
G V Ramaraju, Head, Nanotechnology Initiative Division, Department of Electronics and Information Technology, Govt. of India, released the conference proceedings.
“Nanotechnology is applicable in pharmaceuticals, information technology, energy, biotechnology, textiles, consumer products, water purification, sports, healthcare, security and environment. In the Indian Nanotechnology User Programme (INUP), more than 100 projects from about 100 organisations across the country have been taken up so far. And, about 800 researchers from more than 200 organisations have been trained by INUP,’’ said Ramaraju, in his special address.
Through nano-mission programme, IIT-Madras developed a nanotechnology based water purification technology and commercialised it, added Ramaraju.
“ The Department of Electronics & IT , as part of Nanotechnology initiatives, have developed a bio-sensor platform for cardiac diagnostics suitable for integration with a complete lab-on-chip development and nano-particle based piezo- resistive polymer composite cantilevers for a range of applications, focusing on the detection of explosive molecules such as TNT/RDX,” said Ramaraju.
Soumyo Mukherji, Head, Centre for Research in Nanotechnology and Sciences, IIT-Bombay, inaugurated the conference.
M Ponnavaiko, vice-chancellor, SRM University and Yashurio Hayakawa, RIE, Shizouka University, Japan signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
Around 400 Researchers and scientists from India, Singapore, Germany, France, New Zealand, USA, Japan, Mexico, Ireland, Switzerland and Australia are participating in the conference.